1. THESIS
CONTROLLING IDEA
CENTRAL IDEA
PROPOSITION
ASSERTION
WARRANT
(PROMISE)
writer makes to the reader
DO’S (PROMISE)
 Express the point of the
paper
Tourists find Mexico
City best in springtime. Don’ts
 Make it defensible  Don’t bifurcate
Travel changes people’s (divide into two
perspectives about their branches)
place in the world. Brains function for
 Be specific thinking and eating.
The United States should  Don’t describe the
pull out of Afghanistan. strategy of the
 Be concise paper.
I am going to
Microwaves hasten
persuade you to read
cooking time. Water for Elephants.
 Use strong verbs if  Don’t be wordy
possible River Gull inflatable
Exposure to chemicals kayaks make
harms children. adventure
 Write a statement – a serendipitous because
you can carry one in
declarative sentence
your car, blow it up
Good government tells anywhere, and paddle
its people the truth. it anytime you come

2. upon a scenic lake or Do you believe in the
river. death penalty?
 Don’t write the
thesis as a question
ONE SENTENCE THAT SAYS WHAT THE PAPER SAYS